Showbiz might have its perks of the glitz and glamour, but its fast-paced nature and ever-changing trends come with a lot of pressure. Shelton Forbez, however, believes he's found a formula to do things his way and still succeed.
Over the years, the media personality and singer has been candid about his journey in the limelight and how it took a toll on his mental health, even in his prime as a presenter on Vuzu TV and MTV Base.
On Monday, Shelton reflected on his journey and the lifestyle changes he made to find his feet again, from living a sober lifestyle to spending more time in solitude and sharing honest work.
“I started drinking and smoking at the age of 11/12, I blame no-one as I’ve always been curious and that led to me clubbing from that age. I stopped drinking and smoking around four years ago because I realised that socially this works and you fit right in, it takes away all anxiety, it looks cool on TV and music videos but in reality my body and health suffered. I’m 32 today and I feel 16,” he wrote on social media.
“I stopped going out as much, in the name of socialising, networking, being 'seen' ... I realised that none of this served me and I made no real connection with people. Every big opportunity I have received to this day has come from hard work, and not from an outside 'connection'.
“There is no industry standard, there are no gatekeepers, my gifts were given to me by God and that’s how I serve and contribute to this world. The world of fame and popularity felt like school at some point (who’s the coolest) but never who is the most talented and that’s what I’d rather live by.”
Four years sober and practising solitude — Shelton Forbez on breaking entertainment stereotypes
Image: Instagram/ Shelton Forbez
Showbiz might have its perks of the glitz and glamour, but its fast-paced nature and ever-changing trends come with a lot of pressure. Shelton Forbez, however, believes he's found a formula to do things his way and still succeed.
Over the years, the media personality and singer has been candid about his journey in the limelight and how it took a toll on his mental health, even in his prime as a presenter on Vuzu TV and MTV Base.
On Monday, Shelton reflected on his journey and the lifestyle changes he made to find his feet again, from living a sober lifestyle to spending more time in solitude and sharing honest work.
“I started drinking and smoking at the age of 11/12, I blame no-one as I’ve always been curious and that led to me clubbing from that age. I stopped drinking and smoking around four years ago because I realised that socially this works and you fit right in, it takes away all anxiety, it looks cool on TV and music videos but in reality my body and health suffered. I’m 32 today and I feel 16,” he wrote on social media.
“I stopped going out as much, in the name of socialising, networking, being 'seen' ... I realised that none of this served me and I made no real connection with people. Every big opportunity I have received to this day has come from hard work, and not from an outside 'connection'.
“There is no industry standard, there are no gatekeepers, my gifts were given to me by God and that’s how I serve and contribute to this world. The world of fame and popularity felt like school at some point (who’s the coolest) but never who is the most talented and that’s what I’d rather live by.”
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